If there’s one thing clear about Attack on Titan‘s Mikasa Ackerman, it is that she is devoted beyond all reason or logic to Eren Yaeger. For most of the story, it seems like her loyalty arises from the time he saved her when she was kidnapped as a child, but the latest plot developments imply some other force at play.
Eren coldly tells Mikasa that she has no choice but to protect him because the Ackerman blood coursing through her veins is allegedly coded in such a way. Regardless, it is obvious that Mikasa really cares about her childhood friend, even if he can’t see it so much anymore.
10 Mikasa Protects Him From His Bullies
During Eren and Mikasa’s first ever interaction, it is he who technically saves her (although that scene concludes with Mikasa killing the man strangling Eren). After this, she is constantly on guard when it comes to her best friend, and regularly attacks bullies who try to hurt him.
In fact, Eren often expresses indignation at her “interference,” believing that Mikasa wants to treat him like a helpless child. Obviously, this isn’t the case, but neither of them becomes aware of the truth behind their bond until later.
9 She Is Nearly Killed Trying To Save Him From Annie
The Female Titan effortlessly squashes Levi’s chosen personal squad, leaving Eren horribly distraught over their deaths. He decides to transform and attack her, but she proves way too strong for him as well. When Mikasa arrives, it looks like the Female Titan is about to eat Eren, but all Annie does is keep him in her mouth before escaping.
Mikasa chases after her, later joined by Levi (who is ultimately responsible for Eren’s retrieval). However, it must be stated that Mikasa jumps the gun and nearly gets both herself and her Captain killed in her haste to save Eren.
8 Mikasa Denies The Curse Of Ymir
Eren reveals that those who inherit one of the Nine Titans will not survive for more than 13 years (an effect of the Curse of Ymir), which shocks everyone who hears it — but most of his friends understand the rationale behind the situation.
On the other hand, Mikasa flat-out denies that something like this could happen, such is the love she bears for Eren (and, to an extent, for Armin). Considering that she’s usually one of the more sensible people in the story, this reaction from Mikasa is patently uncharacteristic.
7 She Almost Lets Herself Be Eaten When Eren “Dies”
Eren saves Armin’s life and is swallowed whole by a Pure Titan (sans the arm that’s bitten off). Everyone believes that he’s dead, and for good reason, because nobody has ever come out alive after entering a Titan’s stomach before.
Mikasa hears this news and instantly goes into a catatonic state; she nearly gives up on everything and begins to attack her enemies recklessly. Although she realizes that Eren is the reason she needs to continue fighting, Mikasa would have been killed if Eren’s Attack Titan had not burst onto the scene.
6 Mikasa Follows Him Wherever He Goes (To A Point)
It is hard to describe what Mikasa feels for Eren as love, since the word itself doesn’t seem to cover the incredible scope of her emotions. She makes clear from the very beginning that she plans to do exactly as he does, and will follow Eren wherever he chooses to go.
Eren may complain about being made Mikasa’s “little brother,” but it’s not that he doesn’t appreciate everything she has done for him. Unfortunately, their relationship hits a serious snag much later (in the manga).
5 She Even Joins The Scout Regiment For Him
Despite having graduated at the top of the 104th Cadet Corps, Mikasa rejects a cushy Military Police career in favor of highly dangerous assignments with the Scout Regiment.
This is simply because of Eren’s determination to become a Scout, a decision that Mikasa cannot, nor does she try to, sway him from making. Further, it can be argued that her exceptional fighting skills have developed, at least in part, to ensure Eren’s security.
4 Mikasa Doesn’t Take The Red Scarf Off For A Long Time
Eren gives Mikasa a red scarf during their initial meeting, in a bid to soothe her frayed nerves after being kidnapped and witnessing her parents’ murders. She almost never takes it off, suggesting that the garment is a symbol of everything Eren means to her (whatever that may be).
Interestingly, Mikasa only removes the scarf once Eren announces that he hates her, callously informing her that she has no option but to protect him due to her Ackermann blood.
3 She Forces Eren To Eat Bread
After the fall of Shiganshina, the survivors are taken inside Wall Rose, where each of them is grudgingly given single pieces of bread by the Garrison Regiment. Eren, being his usual cranky self, tries to pick a fight with them — when he loses, he angrily throws his bread at Armin.
As he starts talking about “not taking charity,” Mikasa punches him right in the face before stuffing the entire loaf into Eren’s mouth. She knows that survival is a form of rebellion in itself, a concept that Eren finds hard to grasp.
2 Mikasa Cares For Him Considerably More Than Vice-Versa
It is quite unfortunate that Eren does not reciprocate Mikasa’s affection, but then again, is it really possible for anyone to give as much as she does?
Taking Adult Eren’s words into account — regarding his revelation about the Ackermann heritage — it’s possible that Mikasa’s fondness for him is merely how their relationship manifests itself on the surface level. However, it is important to acknowledge that her love is not necessarily bound by preset terms and conditions.
1 Eren’s First Words Still Hold Fast In Her Heart
After Eren kills two of Mikasa’s kidnappers, the third one pounces on and begins strangling the young boy. Eren takes one look at Mikasa and tells her to “fight,” but she doesn’t understand what he means. Eren goes on to say his most famous phrase, “If you win, you live; if you lose, you die. If you don’t fight, you can’t win!”
It is these words that trigger Mikasa’s transformation from a defenseless child to a confident young woman. She has never forgotten them, and it’s unlikely she ever will.
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